"Words cannot express the deep sorrow that we feel in learning of the passing of Myra Hiatt Kraft," the club's statement read. "Myra passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. We are all heartbroken. The global philanthropic community and the New England Patriots family have suffered a great loss."

While Kraft was active with her charity work, she also played a role in the team's personnel decisions, even if it was a one-time affair.

When New England took Christian Peter in the 1996 NFL draft, Kraft was disgusted by the player's history of violence against women and forced her husband to take a stand against his immoral behavior.